Nottingham Forest overcame Fulham 3-1 at the City Ground on Tuesday, and it has been revealed in the aftermath that one of Nuno Espirito Santo’s players will be awarded a new contract.
The Reds won following a dominant first half performance. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood scored to put Forest up 2-0 after 20 minutes, and Morgan Gibbs-White added a third in stoppage time at the end of the first period.
It was the type of performance that truly demonstrates what certain athletes are capable of. Gibbs-White was spectacular and received plaudits from Nuno Espirito Santo, Hudson-Odoi put in possibly his best Forest performance, and Danilo came in from the cold to push his claim for a spot.
Forest can now go into the next few games with a little more confidence. The Reds go to Tottenham on Sunday before another winnable home game against Wolves, who, like Fulham, have nothing left to play for.
Ola Aina was in fantastic form for Forest on Tuesday night, and fresh information about him has emerged. It appears like Espirito Santo is impressed with him, and a decision about his future will be made.
Nottingham Forest offer Ola Aina a new deal
This was revealed by The Telegraph’s John Percy, who is frequently present at the City Ground. He has stated that a new contract for Aina will be a formality, with Forest expected to trigger an extension.
Aina joined the club on a free transfer from Torino in the summer. He was the first player to officially check in at Forest during a 13-player transfer window, and he’s shown to be an asset.
The Nigerian made his return to the team against Crystal Palace over the weekend. He has been injured since returning from the African Cup of Nations, when Aina received high praise as Nigeria advanced to the final.
Forest will now move to keep Aina at the club. Percy believes a condition in his contract permits the Reds to keep him for another year, which might be disclosed soon.
Aina has made 16 appearances for Forest in all competitions. He has one goal against Aston Villa and an assist in a 3-2 defeat to West Ham in November.
Aina demonstrates why he deserves a new contract as Reds upset Fulham.
It’s rare for a left-back to stand out during a 3-1 victory, especially when Forest could have scored six or seven goals and no one would have noticed. However, it is exactly what Aina did for Forest on Tuesday night.
Who Scored demonstrates Aina’s peak performance. They recorded three successful dribbles and five interceptions in his 82 minutes on the field for the Reds.
Furthermore, he wasn’t afraid to experiment, finishing three of the five long balls he attempted that night.
It was a fascinating one for Aina because the Forest man faced two different wingers and managed to pocket both!
Harry Wilson started the game, but was one of three players substituted by Fulham manager Marco Silva after just 33 minutes, with Adama Traore taking his place.
Aina had no problems with either winger as Forest secured a massive win. Wilson is known for his cunning and deception, whereas Traore is quick when he gets going, but the Reds star is definitely no slouch.
Forest is frequently criticised for their rather haphazard approach to recruitment. However, their decision to sign Aina on a free transfer appears strong, and a new deal would be well merited.
